Many Americans think of Nebraska as an agriculture state. We absolutely are, but we are also an energy state. Nebraska has the capability to power our nation through the minerals beneath our soil and the crops grown in our vast fields.
This was on full display when I welcomed U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to Nebraska last week. During two important visits, we highlighted our state’s contributions to America’s economy and national security.
Our first stop was NioCorp’s Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project. This exciting project in southeast Nebraska will mine and process niobium, scandium, and titanium – minerals that the United States currently imports. Once up and running, the mine and processing facility is expected to support more than 1,000 jobs in rural Nebraska.
Critical minerals are used in the technologies that power our everyday lives. They are used in everything from cars and electronics to advanced military equipment. Yet our country relies heavily on foreign nations for many of these resources. In turn, this dependence leaves our economy and national security vulnerable to disruptions in foreign supply chains. That is why I have long advocated for expanding critical mineral production and processing here at home.
I was pleased to see Secretary Wright and the Trump administration recognize Nebraska’s contributions on this front. But critical minerals aren’t the only way Nebraska can help strengthen America’s energy independence. Our farmers also have an important role to play. Following our visit to Elk Creek, Secretary Wright and I traveled to Louisville for a roundtable hosted by the Nebraska Farm Bureau.
There, we heard directly from ag producers about the challenges facing our farm economy. Between drought, high input costs like diesel, and low yields, many Nebraska farmers are struggling to make ends meet. One way we can help is by expanding the market for Nebraska-grown corn through permanent year-round E15.
Allowing gasoline blended with 15% ethanol to be sold nationwide throughout the year would create consistent demand for corn, support our ethanol producers, and give consumers another choice at the pump.
Furthermore, E15 advances President Trump’s goal of securing American energy dominance. A strong domestic energy supply requires an all-of-the-above approach that embraces oil, natural gas, nuclear power, renewables, and biofuels. By producing more of our own energy and resources, we can reduce our dependence on foreign countries and better protect our economy from global disruptions.
I fought tirelessly to include year-round E15 in the 2026 Farm Bill, and I’m proud to say it advanced out of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Now, I’m eager to get it passed through the full Senate and send it to the president’s desk.
I sincerely appreciate Secretary Wright visiting the Good Life and hearing directly from Nebraskans about these important issues.
Whether it’s producing critical minerals that strengthen our national defense or growing the crops that helps power our vehicles, Nebraska has the resources, workforce, and determination to help secure America’s future. I’ll continue fighting for policies that allow our state to lead the way.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.